Customer Reviews

Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts: Its Fundamental Relations Vol.1

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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This 332 page volume is the first in a projected 3-volume series. This first volume compares the philosophy of Chinese Martial arts with that of Aikido, and the empty-handed combative aspects of both arts. This volume is broken down into four sections. The first offers a historical context for both Japanese and Chinese martial arts, the second part deals with Chinese martial arts, and is heavily illustrated and includes descriptive narratives to accompany each sequence of photos. Part three deals with Aikido (specifically the Takemusu style), and illustrated by photos with explanations much the same as part two did for the Chinese arts. Part four includes direct comparisons of the most common techniques of aikido and Chinese Martial Arts.

This book is heavily illustrated, and apparently intended for people who have an interest in understanding the similarities and differences--in essence, the connections between different "styles" of martial arts. I do not consider this book to be instructional in nature. Someone without a basis in martial arts training might have difficulty understanding the depth or point of this book--both Chinese martial arts and Aikido are rather extensive in and of themselves. The authors of this book are also NOT concerned with proving that one art is superior in any way to the other. For those with a more studious bent who enjoy considering the possibilities, here is a volume you will enjoy.

A note on the co-author's relationship in research: Co-Author Tetsutaka Sugawara Studied Aikido under the arts Founder Morihei Ueshiba beginning in 1960, and has also studied Goju Ryu and Tai Chi--he is the founder of the Minato Research and Publishing Co (Now known as Sugawara Martial Arts Institute). Co-Author Lu-jian Xing studied Chinese martial arts under Chu-xinag Du, Yan-ling Xing, and others. He met Sugawara when he came to Japan in 1992 to learn Aikido as an Uechi-deshi (live in student) under Sugawara at the Sugawara Institute, and the two commenced their comparative study of these martial arts. The second volume in this series has been published, and deals with weapons aspects of both Chinese Arts and Aikido. I eagerly await the third volume in this series...

First I would like to say that this book is not for the beginner. The beginning history would be benneficial for all. History is followed over the 1st 100 pages. But the majority of the book is directed mainly toward the art of Aikido and Chin Na. There are many photographs in the book (some other angles would have been most helpful), but the written explanations are fantastic. An overlooked treasure. A must for all those that study Aikido and Chin Na.

Excellent books but definately for the experienced martial artist and student of comparative martial arts.Drawback is few side by side comparisons of the different traditions. Chin Na and Aikido would be closer categories for vol 1 and techniques especially swordwork differs greatly and is hard to compare between Chinese and Japanese systems for volume 2 .It is nice to see the respect the authors afford each other and this makes it a five star.

This book is a must for any martial arts' student, especially for those who train aikido or kung fu, but it is not a book for novices. It is just not basic. You have to know very well the basics of aikido or kung fu (any style) to understand what to do. The tecniques are very well explained and the pictures are very good too, but if you never trained with a wooden sword or staf before, go back to your dojo and learn the basics first. On the other hand, if you already know aiki-ken or aiki-jo, even if you are not a master, but a serious student, you will love to see how much aikido and chinese martial arts have in common. If that is the case, well, buy the book, because it really worths.

Defense, in fullest meaning, is to deflect away, down and out -- via any "weapons" -- but especially via swords.

So, volumes one and two of this trilogy certainly cover that and much more -- of Japan, China and more sources -- and where they meet. Nearly all of Eurasia is at least touched-upon, including Korea and Tibet. The Scythian folks are especially remarked-upon in detail, as well as other related nomadic folks -- as having encountered, developed and spread Sword Defense Arts thru-out Northern Asia, including China, Korea and Japan. These horse-and-wheel iron-and-steel nomads are of Central Asian Indoeuropean origin and spread in all directions to Europe and Far East Asia. Layers of Asian, Chinese and Japanese history are uncovered in precise detail as background to the main title-theme. This includes the possibility that ancient spoken Chinese language has a Far Western influence [word-order and word-meaning building are much as in English for example] -- and that ancient written Chinese has a Far Eastern Ainu of Japan influence [Ainu symbols seem to match the early Chinese characters well]. China, in any case, is central to East Asian history as shown in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts".

We are seeing intensely devoted research and practice fully presented in "Aikido and Chinese Martial Arts". Central, primary and further strategy, tactics and methods are all covered in clear and sharp detail concerning Aikido, Kungfu and swords in respectful mutual appreciation. The main co-authors are from Japan and China -- EACH with deep training in BOTH folks Defense Arts -- especially Aikido and Kungfu, including weapons -- especially swords. In addtion, these authors have gathered quality academic research on topics relating to Aikido, Kungfu and swords -- especially near and far origins -- including great detail on cultural origins and transfer of iron and steel swords, methods and unarmed methods. Unarmed defense methods of Aikido and Kungfu are presented, compared and even combined in wonderfully singular ways. I especially appreciate Chapter 6 "How to use each part of your body and mind" -- and most especially the two sections on footwork [6.5 and 6.6] -- confirming and firming-up what I have figured out via long efforts in Western and Eastern Kenpo ["boxing-way"] +++

Somewhat disappointing as I was looking for a deeper explanation of the fundamental relations, as the book's name implies. Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan are both internal martial arts and I would have thought that the philosophies, techniques & applications would have been described in more detail than maybe the two sentences mentioned in the entire book. A great deal is discussed about the history of the Chinese Martial Arts and its influences into the Japanese martial arts, which is fine and perhaps from which the fundamental relations are drawn from. In this case, the book should have been titled - ..."The Historical Relations." Keep looking elsewhere if you are searching the true fundamental relations.